minimum requirement

We are all asked to do more and to strive more for excellence. In our school, it is called magis. And it is something we all fail to do. Yesterday I attended a mass and the homily was all about the minimum requirement. The things that we always do is just what is minimum. But why do the minimum when we can maximize it.

The priest gave the example of the husband and wife. Every night the husband would just sleep with his wife in the same bed. The priest added why not do more than sleeping, like maybe kiss your wife often or just do more than being a man of the house. He asked us the question: Do we need to pray the rosary in order to be saved? He said no. Do we need to attend mass on weekdays? He said no. Do we need to do confession every month? He said no. But then he added, why do the minimum?

And it is so true. Why do the minimum, when we can surely maximize the experience? It does not only refer to being a Christian, but to being a human being. Being a child, a friend, a parent, an officemate- why do the minimum?

This country would really prosper if people would utilize their talents and skills, with honesty and hardwork. We can be more than this. Or you can be more than who you are. We are not required to do it, but why settle for less? You are not required to text your friend, you are not required to call your parents, you are not required to say the rosary, you are not required to run an extra mile. But all this you do to maximize your life. In job hunting, the minimum requirement is a college degree for example. Wouldn't it be better if you also had a minor degree or if you can speak a different language. Surely, you will get the job.

Of course, one must caution himself not to over do it. Magis is very different from greed and far fetched ambition. Do more kung kaya pa. And do more not only for yourself, but for others.

We all can do more. It is up to ourselves if we want to remain doing the minimum requirement or the maximum expression.